Hormonal
Vitamin D deficiency (serum 25(OH)D < 20 ng/mL) is causally linked to musculoskeletal pain, muscle atrophy (specifically type II fibers), and increased fall risk in the elderly, while supplementation to levels >30 ng/mL can alleviate pain and improve muscle performance.
If you are over 50 or suffer from unexplained muscle pain or frequent falls, ask your doctor to check your Vitamin D levels (25(OH)D). If they are below 30 ng/mL, supplementation (typically 700-1000 IU/day) is likely to help with muscle strength and fall prevention. Do not assume high doses are better; excessive dosing may actually increase fall risk.
Evidence suggests that with increasing age, the reduction of muscle mass is clearly associated with decreased circulating vitamin D levels, leading to frailty in the elderly and frequent falls... Fighting a vitamin D deficit with the help of supplementation has been reported to be beneficial in many studies... patients with higher 25(OH)D levels have better muscle performances of the lower extremities than patients with lower serum levels
Why this rating
The paper is a review citing multiple observational studies and some RCTs, but notes significant controversy and contradictory findings regarding supplementation efficacy.
Source
Crucial Role of Vitamin D in the Musculoskeletal System
Elke Wintermeyer et al. · Nutrients · 2016
DOI 10.3390/nu8060319
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